What role does student choice have in your classroom? We know that when students have some ownership over their learning that they are more intrinsically motivated and this leads to real agency in their learning. Today’s episode is a Leveling Up episode, where I coach Jen, a Spanish teacher in Missouri. Providing students with regular and authentic choices in her classroom is the area where wants to level up her teaching practice. So let’s start the conversation.
Suggestions:
- Create choice boards that offer a variety of activities aligned with the same learning objectives. Students can select activities based on their interests and preferred learning styles.
- Allow students to choose from a list of project topics or propose their own, giving them the autonomy to explore areas of interest while still meeting curriculum standards.
- For certain activities, allow students to pick their groups based on interest or comfort. You can also mix it up by having students form groups around different themes or tasks they want to work on.
- Offer multiple assessment options that cater to different learning styles and strengths.
- Make the input and output compelling for students
Action Plan:
This Week:
- Create a simple choice board with nine activities related to the current unit.Observe and take notes on student engagement and preferences.
The Coming Weeks:
- Plan a project-based unit, providing a list of potential topics and formats for final products. Encourage students to present their projects in various formats (e.g., presentation, report, digital creation).
- Design multiple assessment options for an upcoming unit. Ensure each assessment option aligns with the learning objectives and create a consistent rubric.
You can also be a part of Leveling Up coaching episode if there is an area of your teaching that you like to improve or enhance. Join me on the podcast for a Leveling Up Coaching Episode.
Work with Joshua either in person or remotely.
Teachers want to hear from you and what you are proud of in your classroom.
Join me as a guest on the podcast.
Follow wherever you listen to podcasts.
